Wrexham’s League One promotion hopes were given a big boost after their 1-0 win away at Wycombe Wanderers.
The Red Dragons’ win at Adams Park leaves Phil Parkinson’s side second in League One, with a three-point cushion over Wycombe.
Wrexham had to dig deep to secure the win, with Sam Smith’s 78th minute winner enough for the three points.
Alongside Smith, Arthur Okonkwo also impressed fans with his brilliant display in between the sticks.
There was, however, one Wrexham player on the day who supporters weren’t as complimentary about – namely Jay Rodriguez.
Wrexham fans call for Jay Rodriguez to be dropped
Paul Mullin’s rumoured falling out with Parkinson has seen Rodriguez be handed the responsibility of being Wrexham’s main goalscorer.
The 35-year-old though has failed to step to the plate in recent weeks, shown by Rodriguez’s 4/10 match rating against Wycombe.
Wrexham supporters have since reflected on the striker’s disappointing display, even claiming the Red Dragons are better without him in the side.
One fan said via X (formerly Twitter): “What a difference it makes to sub out Jay Rodriguez….”
A third fan said: “We had to grind that out, not a classic but took the chance that came our way and job done. Thought Arthur was excellent today and the defence . Fletcher mad a massive difference when come on and seems to combine with Smith loads better than Jay Rodriguez.
“He’s been completely non existent when on the pitch this season. But when Jay Rodriguez keeps starting and is also completely non-existent, AND doesn’t have the history that Mullin has, that’s when supporters get frustrated,” another supporter added.
Phil Parkinson must listen to Rodriguez critics
Having previously plied his trade in both the Premier League and the Championship, Wrexham fans were expecting goals when Rodriguez arrived in January.
The former Burnley man hasn’t been able to provide the goods as of yet, though, and has only managed one goal in ten appearances so far.
Rodriguez’s Wycombe display was the latest in a string of disappointing performances for the striker – something which has been replicated in his match stats.
| Jay Rodriguez stats vs Wycombe Wanderers | |
| Minutes played | 70 |
| Match rating | 6.4 |
| Shots | 1 |
| xG | 0.02 |
| Accurate passes | 8/12 (67%) |
| Touches | 19 |
With the promotion race heating up, Parkinson may have to take Rodriguez out of the limelight for a few weeks and give the likes of Steven Fletcher a chance up top for Wrexham.